Holguin Hosts National Chess Tournament

Zirka Frómeta debuted successfully in the national final / Photos: jit and flickr.comThe Grand Master (GM) Zirka Frómeta, from Santiago de Cuba, marked a short-awaited triumph at the start of the Cuban Chess Championship, female branch, taking place in Holguin until February 9. Zirka, champion of these games in 1981, 83 and 87, won with black pieces to the favorite chess player and member of the national preselection Yaniet Marrero of Las Tunas, in 55 moves of a Caro Kann defense.

Also the Santiago de Cuba Maribas Arribas and Oleiny Linares, and Roxangel Obregón from Villa Clara, who imposed on 54 sets of a Spanish opening to Vivian Ramón of Havana, opened with victories.

It is the second time that the national school champion defeated Vivian in less than 15 days, as a similar result marked the meeting between them in the semifinal phase.

Maritza was better than Camaguey Tania Miranda in 42 moves of an opening Reti and Oleiny beat the Mayabeque Yenny Sanchez in 38 of another Caro Kann defense.

Pinar del Río Yerisbel Miranda is the current Cuban champion.On the other hand, the local Lisandra Llaudy and the Santiago Yania Forgas in 34 of a Sicilian defense, and the Havana Yuleisis Hernández against the Pinar del Río Yerisbel Miranda in 51 of an opening Ruy López, played a draw.

The current champion Yerisbel is playing Tuesday against Oleiny, while Zirka faces Yuelisis, Maritza to LLaudy, Yaniela with Yaniet, Vivian with Tania and Yenny with Roxangel.